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Ten years following the UK stumbled into a rushed public vote that split the nation and unleashed turmoil, a caution comes from across the Irish Sea: it might repeat.

Policymakers and citizens entered unwittingly Brexit and the similar might transpire with a referendum on a united Ireland, sparking convulsions for which nobody is prepared.

That is the message from two prominent journalists from both sides of the Irish border who have teamed up to examine the pros and cons of Northern Ireland departing the UK to create a fresh nation with the Republic of Ireland.

Governmental Structures Ill-Equipped

The author and columnist and The Northern Ireland editor, have determined that the government bodies in Ireland and Britain are gravely unprepared for a possibly contentious and seismic referendum.

"The key takeaway of Brexit has gone unabsorbed, which is that stuff can arise suddenly and can build support swiftly," the commentator said. "It is my view that the governmental framework of our archipelago remains highly fragile."

New Title Intends to Provoke Discussion

The team have analysed the political, economic and societal reasons for any constitutional change in a publication, The Case For and Against Unification, published by the Dublin-based Royal Irish Academy.

They hope to stir debate on the topic with a roadshow of speaking events that will lead them to Westminster in the coming weeks.

"What concerns all parties, or ought to concern every person, is the Brexit referendum of 2016," said the analyst.

"We must avoid a national vote on a thumbs up-thumbs down, vague proposition whose consequences have not been spelled out because then you end up with an extraordinarily divided society where the losing side are unable to accept defeat and the victorious side don't know exactly what it is that they have won."

Constitutional Provision

Under the Belfast Agreement, the Northern Ireland secretary of state is obliged to schedule a public vote on Irish unity if it seems probable that a most voters would support.

Sinn Féin and other pro-unification groups say this point is approaching, and a organisation named pro-unification advocates has built momentum, but both governments and pro-UK factions minimise the prospect, resulting in ambiguity if and when there might be a national vote.

Lack of Informed Dialogue

Partisan language supporting and opposing unity has hidden the lack of informed dialogue, stated the journalist.

"People tend to be for or against the idea but the detailed consideration which could extend past that to achieve it has largely not occurred. Much has occurred in universities but scarcely any elected officials or activists want to engage with the basics. For instance, what sort of state might be preferred? Centralised? Federal?"

Book's Approach

In the book, none of the commentators supports unification or the current situation. They composes two articles that seek neutrality in presenting the argument for a unified Ireland and the case opposing it, marshalling financial and social figures, previous instances and constitutional models.

Arguments encompass flags and symbols, levies, healthcare systems, retirement funds, public liabilities and the threat of pro-UK militancy. The goal is to educate and encourage conversation.

"There is significant curiosity in the subject but there is still lacking a discussion," commented O’Toole. "Debate implies an recognition of the notion that there might be good arguments on each side."

Dual Referendums

A public vote in Northern Ireland would simultaneously prompt one in the republic, where citizens report they favour unity but oppose greater financial contributions or adopting a new flag to reflect unionists' UK heritage.

"Authorities in Dublin should establish what the offer from pro-unification movements is aside from just saying: 'We seek a united Ireland and we welcome you'," remarked the commentator.

Possibility of Referendum

McBride thinks a national vote in his generation is possible and that it could happen abruptly. "There might be just a irresponsible or a ill-advised or a feckless secretary of state who declares: 'Let's just do this and get it out of the way.'"

Both nationalists and pro-UK supporters have plausible, justified arguments, he stated. "Somebody will succeed on this issue and somebody will eventually be defeated but both parties has has valuable insights to gain from the alternative arguments."

Appeal for Wider Debate

Westminster needed to join the discussion, said the analyst. "This concerns the United Kingdom. It's a British question equally as it is an Irish matter."